Maple Leafs' Potential Replacement for Morgan Rielly is No Longer on the Market
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The Toronto Maple Leafs have a need for a long-term replacement for Morgan Rielly and it's becoming urgent.
His defensive struggles, his declining offensive production and his recent demotion to the second power-play unit have only grown concerns.
Who is available for the Toronto Maple Leafs if they want to upgrade their lineup with a trade
With the NHL trade deadline approaching, Toronto can make a move and whether that means replacing Morgan Rielly or offloading his contract to add scoring depth, they need to do it.
One potential solution was Brandt Clarke who is a highly skilled 21-year-old blueliner for the Los Angeles Kings.
Clarke is a former top-10 pick and has developed into a strong two-way defenseman and was briefly scratched from LA's lineup which is fueling speculation about a possible trade involving him.
However, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period has shut down those rumors and has stating that Kings GM Rob Blake has no intention of moving Clarke.
"I talked to pretty much everybody in the Kings organization (Wednesday) night and they all kind of were like, 'Okay, we get it, but everyone just calm down.' They love Brandt Clarke.
He is not on the trade block. They're not actively trying to trade him. I don't even think they're engaged in any discussions involving Brandt Clarke."
He is not on the trade block. They're not actively trying to trade him. I don't even think they're engaged in any discussions involving Brandt Clarke."
Even if Clarke is unavailable, the Maple Leafs still need to explore alternative options since Toronto has already missed out on player like Adam Boqvist and Brandon Saad.
With the trade deadline approaching, Brad Treliving must act rapidly to find a good solution for his lineup.
Whether that means targeting another young defenseman or changing the roster differently, staying still is not an option.
The pressure is getting higher and Leafs fans will expect some action to address the team's defensive concerns before the playoffs.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 1 | 228 ANSWERS Maple Leafs' Potential Replacement for Morgan Rielly is No Longer on the Market Do you think Morgan Rielly is still the best defenseman of the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 57 | 25 % |
| No | 171 | 75 % |
| List of polls | ||
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